Margery’s job is to make sure people in communities along the pipeline right-of-way are informed about the job opportunities that will be available should the Trans Mountain Expansion Project be approved. It’s her job to get the word out to people in urban and rural areas about how they can access employment during construction.

Watch Margery speak at a recent information session

Margery talked to us about the work she does to make sure Aboriginal and local communities learn about the job opportunities associated with the Project.

How does the approach for employment and training in the urban sections of the pipeline differ from more rural areas?

Providing information about the employment opportunities available through contractors is different in urban and rural areas. In urban areas, we rely on private and government agencies and formal communication methods to get the word out.

In rural communities, a more personalized approach is possible. We are able to identify focal points of information and co-ordinate our efforts based upon the requests of the local communities.

For all communities, we are developing an online registry so we can connect those interested in employment during construction with the contractors. We can then reach those outside of the traditional communication channels.

How has employment changed since the original pipeline was built?

The original pipeline was constructed more than 60 years ago using the information and approaches available at that time. In 2012, we started the Project with a commitment to provide as many opportunities as possible to Aboriginal and local communities along our right-of-way.

We are reaching out to individual communities to understand their employment capacity and to develop recruitment programs. We know we will have to mobilize those interested in employment quickly if the Project is approved.

Learn more about the employment impacts of the Project

What drew you work on this Project?

I started my career in BC working with training and community development programs in First Nations communities and in communities with low employment. I then worked with the federal government and was transferred to Calgary to open a training and development office. After that, I moved to a large corporation as a corporate ombudsman where I was responsible for managing all human rights programs and policies and facilitating the resolution of non-collective agreement complaints. Recently, I was consulting as a mediator, coach and ombudsman.

Through my work as a corporate ombudsman in the pipeline industry and through my contacts in the industry, I was introduced to the Trans Mountain Expansion Project. I am honoured to have the opportunity to work with the incredible talent that is on this Project.

Compared to past projects you’ve worked on, how is the employment and training for this Project different?

I have worked on a number of smaller projects, but none with the impact of this Project. One of the smaller projects was to set up the Employment Equity program in Alberta and create training, information and communications programs. The execution of that program was similar to working on this Project.

We develop the best tools we can to help the community put a program in place. We provide the information in a timely manner and then listen and follow up. Sometimes we won’t know the answer until the next phase of Project planning and we commit to following up. As with all new, large endeavors, the community best understands what’s needed to solve problems and we do our best to work with them to develop solutions. Our goal is to ensure those living along the pipeline benefit from employment on the Project.

What is the employment policy for the Project?

The Trans Mountain Expansion Project is committed to maximizing pipeline and facilities construction employment opportunities for Aboriginal peoples and local communities.

Our vision is to see opportunities on the Project lead to long-term benefits for individuals and communities along our right-of-way.

What is the one thing you would like people to know about the employment and training on the Project?

Short-term construction opportunities can lead to long-term careers, and the inspiration to take further education. While construction of the proposed Project will take place over two years, the skills and experience obtained will provide opportunities for years to come. We know there will be a demand for skills in the trades and construction industry that will strain the available resources.

With this in mind, we are developing an education legacy program for scholarships and bursaries in the trades, technologies and environmental programs. As a society, we need to highlight to our young people the lucrative benefits of the trades and technologies and encourage their development.